France Boss Makes Bold Ballon d’Or Claim About Kylian Mbappe

• Kylian Mbappe has been backed to win the Ballon d'Or prize by his national manager
• The 24-year-old led France to a runners-up position at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
• Mbappe also scored 41 goals in the past season to help PSG retain the Ligue 1 title

France's national coach, Didier Deschamps, has made a bold claim about Kylian Mbappe's Ballon d'Or prospects.

Deschamps, who coaches the Paris Saint-Germain star at the national level, believes it is only a matter of time before the young Frenchman claims football's ultimate individual prize.

Despite Lionel Messi being the frontrunner for this year's accolade, with his former PSG teammate considered an outlier, Deschamps firmly believes the French forward could eventually secure the coveted trophy.

Another contender, Erling Haaland - who had an exceptional season with Manchester City - may also present a surprising challenge for the award after his team clinched the cup treble.

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In assessing Mbappe's prospects, Deschamps - who led France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup - predicted his compatriot could claim the honour of a Ballon d'Or in the near future.

“He [Mbappe] will win it [Ballon d’Or] sooner or later. All the better if it is for this year,” Deschamps told RTL, as quoted by Daily Post.

Deschamps further emphasised that securing the Ballon d'Or ranks among Mbappe's utmost priorities.

“It is part of his objectives because he is someone with great ambitions. He gives his all to set his mark on French football as much as possible.“

Kylian Mbappe's 2022-23 performance

Mbappe had a sterling campaign for both club and country in the year under review. He was adjudged the player of the season and top scorer after guiding PSG to a record-extending 11th Ligue 1 titles, per Reuters.

He also won the World Cup Golden Boot award after leading France to a second-place finish at Qatar 2022, narrowly missing out on a second Mundial as Messi's Argentina won on penalties.

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Revisions to Ballon d'Or rules

In related news, Sports Brief reported on the 2023 Ballon d'Or debate already shaping into a battle between an existing superstar and one of his heirs apparent.

35-year-old Messi is still in the running to win the coveted individual prize for a record-extending eighth time, yet City star, Haaland, could have something to say.

L'Equipe, the publication which organises the annual gala each year, revealed changes to Ballon d'Or rules as of 2021, shortly after the veteran's seventh title.